chop wood carry water http://chopwoodcarrywater.com Before Enlightenment chop wood carry water, after Enlightenment, chop wood carry water Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:04:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 en But what is the answer!!?? http://chopwoodcarrywater.com/2008/08/the-answer/ http://chopwoodcarrywater.com/2008/08/the-answer/#comments Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:42:15 +0000 http://chopwoodcarrywater.com/?p=7 There are a few foundational blocks that must be laid. I’ve heard meditation described as, “not a means to an end but both the means and the end.” As with anything in the way of the spirit, definitions miss the mark. I really enjoy finding a thought or idea that makes me stop for a minute or an hour and truly ponder what does it mean. In this context enlightenment is a great example. What does it mean to be enlightened? Why do we seek enlightenment? If an individual is not enlightened how does an individual become enlightened? Are there tools available to make the process easier? If there are tools to make the process easier, is the easy way the best way? Are some that are constitutionally incapable of becoming enlightened? What qualities or attributes might make someone constitutionally incapable of becoming enlightened?

For me here are a few of the answers that came.

Enlightenment is a thought idea or action that brings a deeper, wider, fuller and more colorful understanding of God. Whether it be the God of the Christian Bible. Or the God of the Koran. Or the God of the Hindu’s. Or the God of any other organized religion or other school of spirit. American Indians, Maori tribes of New Zealand or any other human society. Each has their own practice of “The Great Unknown”.

There have been times in my life when, after having met with some of God’s children, I leave that place and I have to walk a little slower and breathe a little deeper. It is “smack me in the forehead with a two by four” clear that I will never see the world the same again. And in such a case, the world has not changed. It is my perception and outlook that has been altered. Just as when I’m laying in bed and the lights get turned on. What was there before is there now. But now I can see it. Enlightened. Spiritually awake.

For me this also answered another question. If anyone is capable of becoming enlightened, I am. Let me be quick to follow that with, I am not special or better than anyone. I know this in my core. But since I have seen people like me and some worse off, achieve peace and wisdom, I know I have been blessed.

Are tools available to aid the process?  Of course.  The wittings and teaching of sages of 1000’s of years.  And my nephew when he teaches me that our arms move when the wind that we breath in  moves them.    Anything  that brings a deeper or wider understanding.  Books, kids, work, family  all these and myriad more.

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